Special Edition: Working with Our Nation Abroad to Build a New & United Ireland
December 4, 2024
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News on Ireland’s Future, zoom meetings and updates
Kid’s Craic: Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
- iIrish Admin
- November 25, 2024
- Edited 2 weeks ago
Table of Contents
Kid's Craic:
By Megan Lardie
A long time ago, there was a kind man named Saint Nicholas. He lived in a place called Myra, which is now part of Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for helping people, especially children and the poor. He would secretly give gifts to those in need, and many stories were told about his generosity.
One famous story is about how he helped three poor sisters. They didn’t have enough money to get married, so Saint Nicholas secretly dropped bags of gold into their stockings, which were hanging by the fireplace to dry. This is why we hang stockings by the fireplace today!
As time went on, the stories of Saint Nicholas spread to different countries. In the Netherlands, he was called Sinterklaas. When Dutch people moved to America, they brought the stories of Sinterklaas with them. Over time, Sinterklaas became known as Santa Claus.
In the 1800s, a poem called, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” was written by Clement Clarke Moore. This poem is also known as “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” It described Santa Claus as a jolly man with a big belly, a white beard, and a red suit. He rode in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer and delivered presents to children on Christmas Eve.
An artist named Thomas Nast drew pictures of Santa Claus based on this poem. He added details like Santa’s workshop at the North Pole and his elves who help make toys. These pictures helped create the image of Santa Claus that we know today.
So, every Christmas, Santa Claus travels around the world in his sleigh, delivering gifts to children who have been good. He brings joy and happiness to everyone, just like Saint Nicholas did many years ago.
Irish Traditions
In Ireland, Santa Claus is known as Daidí na Nollag, which means “Father Christmas” in Irish. The history of Santa Claus in Ireland is a blend of local traditions and the broader story of Saint Nicholas.
In Ireland, Santa Claus, often called “Santy” by children, brings presents on Christmas Eve. Children leave out mince pies and a glass of milk or sometimes even a pint of Guinness for Santa, along with a carrot for his reindeer!
Kid's Lit:
When Santa Fell to Earth
By Cornelia Funke
Scared by a storm, Twinklestar, the least reliable reindeer, bolts, causing Santa and his sleigh to crash-land. And though Santa has dropped into a friendly neighborhood, he's not safe: Jeremiah Goblynch, the ruthless new leader of the Council of Yuleland, is determined to put an end to children's wishes and turn the holiday season into his own personal moneymaking scheme.
As the last REAL St. Nick around, only Santa stands between Goblynch and his Grinch like plan. With the help and hope of kids Charlotte and Ben, Santa must face Goblynch and his Nutcracker goons to save Christmas! For Ages 8-12, 192 pages.
Santa Mouse
By Michael Brown
A kindhearted mouse becomes Santa’s littlest helper in this heartfelt, joyful story that’s a true Christmas classic.
Sometimes giving is the best gift of all. In this charming holiday story, meet a tiny mouse with no name who is blessed with a large imagination and a generous spirit.
He lives a very lonely life in a very big house. Yet he dearly loves Christmas and one Christmas Eve he surprises Santa Claus with a most unusual present.
Kid's in the Kitchen: Strawberry Santas
Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries
Cool Whip or Redi whip
Festive Sprinkles
Directions:
Cut the strawberries near where you removed the stems, so they stand up on a plate. Slice the tip off each strawberry to make Santa’s hat.
Add cool whip into a plastic bag and cut off tip to make a DIY piping bag.
Add cool whip on top of strawberry base for the face. Set the strawberry hat on top. Add a dot of whipped cream, using a toothpick, for the hat pom pom.
Pipe cool whip on top of strawberry base for the face. Set the strawberry hat on top.
Add 2 more dots for the buttons on Santa’s coat. Place 2 sprinkles for the eyes.
Serve and enjoy these super cute strawberry Santas!
Lardie's Laughs
Q. Which one of Santa’s reindeer are the dinosaurs afraid of?
A. Comet
Q. What is Santa’s favorite candy?
A. Jolly Ranchers
Gab in Gaelic
Happy Christmas to you! = Nollaig Shona duit (pron: nullig hunna dwit)
Read more of Megan’s Kid’s Craic Columns HERE
This Just In: Longtime Friends of Sinn Féin supporter Pat Donaghy passes away
November 30, 2024
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Donaghy was also a front line supporter of Sinn Féin and a significant financial contributor to Friends of Sinn Féin in the U.S.
This Just In: Sinn Féin Launch Manifesto for the Diaspora
November 29, 2024
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Following a weekend of online engagements with the diaspora, Sinn Féin has launched a manifesto for the diaspora.
The online meetings with Mairead Farrell TD and Rose Conway Walsh TD attracted attendees from across the USA, Canada, Europe, Britain, and Australia.
The representatives outlined the party’s priorities for government including tackling the housing, health care, and cost of living crisis. As well as progressing the cause of Irish Unity.
Speaking on the unveiling of the Manifesto for the Diaspora, Rose Conway Walsh TD said,
Megan Lardie
*Megan is a Reading Intervention educator with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has a BA from Hiram College and BA+ from Ashland University. She resides in Avon Lake with her husband, Joe, and their five children. She can be reached at [email protected]
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